In July, PCA hired Shannon Marie as its new director of trade show and events. Shannon has more than a decade of experience in the events industry, including positions at the National Association of Federally Insured Credit Unions as director of events.
“I am excited to see the PCA’s team expand in a critical area so that we can provide additional program offerings for the trade show and events,” says Joshua Habursky, PCA’s executive director. “I know that Shannon will be able to support Lisa [Cox] in maintaining a best-in-class trade show and add other experiential elements to our marquee event and beyond.”
PCA The Magazine caught up with Shannon to get to know her and talk about her new role.
Share a bit of your background.
I was born and raised in Columbia, Maryland, with my mom, dad and older brother. Growing up in Maryland, there was no shock for my love of a good blue crab feast and being by the water. I enjoyed hanging out with my friends and family, especially over the holidays. My family loved bringing everyone together for each holiday where we would have 15+ people for multiple days. That was where my love for planning events blossomed.
What’s your most memorable cigar moment?
I have been around cigars but never really got the chance to learn about them until this recent trade show in Vegas. At the Women of PCA event I learned how to smoke my very first cigar, and what an awesome experience it was! I went home and shared the amazing cigars I received at the trade show with my friends and family. We chilled outside with some nice whiskey and discovered how many people in my circle enjoy cigars. It was such a special moment.
What’s your favorite quote and why?
The quote I keep going back to is from Eleanor Roosevelt: “Do one thing every day that scares you.” It reminds me to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone to be innovative.
Tell us about your position at PCA. What are your responsibilities?
I am the director of trade show and events at PCA and work under Lisa Cox, the senior director of trade show and events. Together we pull the logistics of the trade show, from all departments, into a nice pretty bow. My favorite definition of an event planner is “someone who solves a problem you did not know you had in a way you do not understand. See also: wizard, magician.”
What do you like to do when not thinking about cigars?
I enjoy spending time with my friends and family doing anything that involves the great outdoors. Hiking, kayaking, camping, reading a good book on the porch, chilling by the beach/pool, playing sports, going to a concert, having a good drink (or cigar!) and eating delicious food—you name it. I love bringing people together and having a good time.
What musician, living or dead, would you love to see live and why?
This is a tough one for me. I personally love all music, especially a live concert, and don’t have one absolute favorite musician. That said, the first musician that popped into my mind was Billy Joel. I know he is on tour right now, but it would have been awesome to go to one of his concerts in his prime.
This story first appeared in PCA The Magazine, Volume 3, 2024. To receive a copy of this magazine you must be a current member of PCA. Join or renew today at premiumcigars.org/membership.